When screenwriter Steven Rogers visited Portland to interview separately, ex-figure skater Tonya Harding, and her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly he could never have anticipated two more contrasting versions of their bizarre story. One which eventually lead, to their criminal convictions.

Harding was the first woman to land the triple axel. In fact, there have only ever been six women in history, to have performed the nigh on impossible move.

But I, Tonya is much more than a film about a figure skater’s Olympic aspirations. This is a film that explores complex people, complex relationships, and the complex versions of the truth.

In what feels very much like a docudrama, actress Margot Robbie plays Tonya. Robbie’s engagement with the camera is electrifying, because she creates an intimacy.

Everyone has their own version of the truth. And for all the key participants of the story, they get to tell their side of the tale, in an interview scenario. So there’s contributions from Tonya (Margot Robbie), Jeff (Sebastian Stan), her mother LaVona Golden (Allison Janney) and bodyguard Shawn Eckhardt (Paul Walter Hauser).

Seriously, what happens, is too implausible to makeup.

We will witness a mother’s tough love, the detrimental effects of domestic abuse, and we will witness a crime so obscure, you would deem it impossible to concoct.

And in a film about a figure skater, then expect some nifty moves. Robbie trained rigorously for four months in preparation for the role. Though not to diminish the Oscar nominee’s accomplishments, due to the rare ability, even from the pros, to perform the triple axel, it does dictate the necessity of sharp visual effects, for those scenes; but do not let that put you off.

I, Tonya is also proof that independent films, do have a high quality production value. The accuracy and attention to detail paid to the costumes and hair, are beyond reproach.

Words: Claire Bueno

NetPIX recommends Play now!

Runtime: 2 hours

Year: 2017

Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama

Streaming Service: Prime Video

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About Claire Bueno

Claire Bueno is an experienced Presenter and Interviewer having hosted BAFTA Academy Circle events, moderated Q&As at the Apple Store, Regent Street and hosted Comic Con panel talks to audiences of 300 people. She has interviewed high calibre artistes such as Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sigourney Weaver, James Cameron and Andy Serkis.